A COMPANY behind a new waste recycling plant. have tried to reassure people who have expressed concerns.

The plant in Cwmfelinfach was initially refused but has now been given the go ahead.

Paul Goddard, director of Hazrem Environmental Ltd, who applied for a environmental permit, said: “We are extremely pleased that the Inspector has made the right decision. The decision sends a positive message out that Wales is willing to deal with its commercial waste problems locally, rather than sending it via long road journeys or directly into landfill.

"I understand that some of the local community will still have reservations, but let me reassure them that the solution we intend to put in place will have a long term positive impact on the environment. If any local residents have any concerns or questions then I would ask them to read the Inspectors report, and also obtain the permit information held by Natural Resources Wales."

John Wheadon, permitting service manager at Natural Resources Wales, said: “When we assess an application for a new permit, we carefully consider any potential impacts on the health of local people and take expert advice from professional health organisations.

“The Planning Inspectorate found that our evidence was both robust and reliable and convincingly demonstrated that the facility can operate without significant harm to the health of people in the area. They also concluded that traffic movements could not be considered as part of the permit application."

“This means that we have been directed to grant a permit to produce fuel from waste at Nine Mile Point Industrial Estate, Caerphilly.”